Crown Feature: Meet Kinyeami – A Fleeky Business Mind

What separates an entrepreneurial mind from the average mind? A desire to create and meet demands with the resources available. The whole process is a journey with challenges everywhere and only the fittest truly survives. Our Crown Feature today, Kinyeami, has found a way to survive and thrive by not only creating his own brand but also, running his own market. He does everything with just a bit of finesse and ‘fleekyness’. Who really is he and how does he do it? Read all about it below.

My legal name is Akinyemi Toluwaloba Akindapo Tamunopreye. Kinyeami is a 90’s kid who is currently a Computer Science & Information Technology student at Bowen University Iwo, Osun State. My favourite title, however, would have to be entrepreneur.

That’s great. What entrepreneurial venture are you into?

I run a startup called KinyeaMI Concepts.

Let’s get right into it. Your business, KinyeaMI Concepts, what is about?

KinyeaMI Concepts is an all-round platform which delves into: the fashion world (customized shirts, tees, caps and footwears); confectioneries (chocolate and chin-chin); website & mobile app designer (dooshsports.com, Newdawn.com.ng, ogc3inone.com, dafeamrasaamos.com/blog1 etc.) and has played an important role behind sport, fashion and great events such as B.Boys Crew Magazine Launch and M4 Games in Bowen University.

When did you start KinyeaMI Concepts and how did you come up with the name?

I started the business in August 2016. Before this I was into little business without title or branding and was in 200 level. Kinyeami has always been my nickname for a long time now, it is coined from my surname, Akinyemi. KInyeaMI Concepts is my first business step and it’s been an adventure into the marketing world where you have to supersede customer’s expectation irrespective of all challenges.

When I came up with the business idea I knew I had to monetize all that was relevant to the present market and also needed to pull out more resources around myself instead of being on a fixed cash inflow. I’ll say the Genesis of the business is personal fulfillment and wanting to get out of my comfort zone. I also wanted financial security that would give me a strong foundation outside the education sphere.

You’ve mentioned that you are a student. What’s it like running a business as a student?

Right from the start of the brand I’ve been in school so I have to make a lot of phone calls to follow up. It is by mastering the art of following up that I have been able to achieve wonderful results. This strategy has really taught me how to meet, converse, convince and make good deals with people. It has also benefited me in the area of managing funds on the business chain. It is a sure proof that you can make big things happen without being there in person.

What has been a major challenge you’ve faced?

One major challenge I’ve faced is knowing that I could do some of the jobs better and faster but being restricted because of time, location and resources. I’ve also had to do lots of follow up, which is quite tasking but it all works for good still because I’ve learnt what can’t be offered in textbooks.

What’s your latest venture?

KinyeaMI Concepts is currently in partnership with the C.E.O of A Cube, Adegoke Adeniyi, with a new brand, Flekkyhouse (Home of Trendy Fashion).

For our readers who want to start a business like yours, what advice do you have for them?

If you’re thinking of starting a similar business or any business at all, don’t begin a business without proper description. Know your niche (Do a SWOT analysis) and ask yourself: ‘What is the one thing I can do that will create value and people would want?’. Always remember that marketing is the fuel of any business, not the products. I would need you to know that you are the perfect answer to what you have to offer. However, be sure to be open to mentorship, don’t let money take you out of the table of negotiation and remember that knowledge and proper information is now exchanged for cash. Finally, don’t forget the primary reason you are in school, which is to come out with flying colors in your studies so make sure you don’t drop that by the side.

Sign us out with your favorite quote of all time.

‘Our current expectation for what our students should learn from school was set 50 years ago to meet the needs of an economy based on agriculture and manufacturing. We now have an economy based on knowledge and technology.’ – Bill Gates.